E.G.A.T. Is this company for real?

[HHTel]

I wonder if anyone has had real problems with the electric company. I've been in my house for over 2 years and to give credit where it's due, power cuts have become quite rare. However, the last two power cuts have produced such a surge that I have 6 pieces of equipment that have been 'blown'. 1 x video recorder, 1 x DVD, 3 x satelite boxes and the last and most unbelievable is a power stabiliser box (which is under guarantee and has gone off to BKK to be replaced/fixed.)

45,000 baht's worth of equipment. EGAT is quick to take away your meter if you don't pay. I think they have a moral obligation to pay for any problems caused by their service.

I'm getting thoroughly pi**ed off by the attitude of these public companies who think that we are priveledged to be customers instead of the other way round.

Comments/stories/advice please.

[Wanderlust]

Get surge protectors - you know it make sense!
They are never in a million years going to take any more responsibility than they do now, and the only hope is that they manage to improve their systems so that they don't fail at the slightest bit of rain/sun/wildlife/someone looking at them a bit funny. Their policy on non payment of bills in time is a bit inflexible I have to agree but I am guessing that they had a 'softer' approach before that didn't work? The most annoying thing about it though is when your bill hasn't even been delivered and they still cut you off without even ringing the doorbell! This happened to me, but it was a while ago and before they had these nice little plastic holders attached to the front gate.

[crazy88]

Electricity has been a nightmare for me on many occasions here and in many other countries for various reasons I would be happy to bore you with over a beer sometime

I am aware of how it would be handled in the case of damage to equipment in the UK as of 15 years ago .How is it now ? In various countries .

Please take the OP situation using electric provided by either a public or private company .

What would the electric company be liable for in terms of equipment damage,lost business,falling down the stairs at the exact point of power outage or surge etc .

Home insurance was the only route made available to me for the only claim I have ever made ; livestock and lost business were not covered

Crazy 88

[HHTel]

Good advice, WL. I had a surge/uninteruptable power supply to protect my computer equipment. It did it's job in protecting my computer but the surge protector itself blew up! A phone charger that was plugged in physically exploded into a trillian pieces leaving big black burn marks on the socket and wall.

It's not practical to put surge protectors all over the house. You've seen my house. Imagine how many I would need.

I'll probably visit the office and let off steam. I'm not going to get a result but it'll make me feel a bit better.

[Super Joe]

Lightning is another problem here for electrical equipment, it can hit a tree, go to ground and then come in the house via the buried cables most of us have between house and meter.
Good idea to un-plug expensive stuff during storms, pain in the ass and I never bother, but know houses that have suffered shocking damage as a result.

SJ

[Jockey]

HHTEL - I have heard of power surges but not to the extent you explain. I would have your electric system checked out. I wonder if its possible / practable to put a surge protector box next to the junction box itself? Do you get electric shocks from home appliances? Your electric supply may not be properly earthed?

[crazy88]

A good quality voltage stabiliser with large battery backup system should suffice for large residential or small commercial premises .You still need ups on your computers as the stabiliser will cut out on a sudden surge .Other than the really cheap brands most electronic devices have an internal fuse that is often not accessible without removing the cover .Not knowing this you take it to a repair shop who tell you it is broken which technically it is,sell you another,replace the fuse and sell yours .This is certainly not unique to Thailand .The most common fault with televisions suddenly not working is a blown start up capacitor which is easy to change and costs buttons .You end up spanking a grand on a 50" plasma on a "we take anything" trade in deal and the shop get a bullseye in the back burner on the recon custard .

depending on your point of view

Crazy 88

[HughHO]

Is there such an animal as to provide surge protection for the house in line and wouldn't it belong in a place well outside so as to protecdt for fire etc. Computers. Well, I supposed you should turn them off, I know it is old fashion but..... The old directions read, place the on/off switch to the off position. Leave all things off! Except the automatic viagra despensing device, that is!

[HHTel]

Just got all my equipment back with new power supplies in each. The 'technician' said that there must have been a massive surge.

Yes, Jockey, the house is fully earthed and checked. Most equipment is on 3 pin plugs. The power surge/ups box for my computer was only a few weeks old and cost 2,500 baht which I don't think is cheap. Fortunately, that's under guarantee and has been sent off for replacement.

I don't know whether you can get a surge protector for the whole house. I'd be very interested if anyone knows of one and where it can be purchased/fitted.